Cleveland National Forest

The season's first major brush fire, which officials are tentatively blaming on sparks from target shooting, was under control Monday after scorching 650 acres in the Cleveland National Forest. The blaze ignited Saturday afternoon about 4 miles north of Ramona and spread under strong winds, according to U.S. Forestry Service officials.

SAN DIEGO - Wind-driven smoke from a fire deep in the Cleveland National Forest forced closure of Interstate 8 for nearly two hours in eastern San Diego County, officials said Saturday. The fire east of Pine Valley erupted at approximately noon and by 5 p.m. had covered more than 100 acres. No homes were immediately threatened. The blaze was fought by air tankers and ground units, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. ALSO: Earthquake: 3.0 quake strikes near Eureka Medal of Honor recipient to be buried today Crash survivor killed in hit-and-run as he crosses freeway, police say Twitter: @LATsandiego tony.perry@latimes.com

Federal forest officials have announced that most of the Cleveland National Forest, including large portions in Orange County, will be closed Friday because of extremely dry conditions. The forest will be open for recreational use in developed areas such as Blue Jay Campground, Falcon Campground, El Cariso Picnic Area, Upper San Juan Campground and Killen Truck Trail/South Main Divide.

Visitors to the Cleveland National Forest and three other Southern California forests will be charged a $5 daily fee per vehicle starting June 16. The fees, instituted as part of a three-year test program, are needed to reverse past budget cuts and shore up aging facilities, national forest officials said last week. An annual pass will cost $30. The program also includes the Angeles, Los Padres and San Bernardino national forests. Daily passes will be available June 9.

Re "Collision on Proposed Road," Aug 13: Riverside County officials claim that a new road through the Cleveland National Forest is the solution to the crush of Inland Empire commuters heading to jobs in Orange County. These officials should stop looking to Orange County to solve their jobs shortage and put their efforts into creating local employment so their constituents won't have to go over the hill to earn a living. Jay Matchett Tustin